Some men want to meet in the bar beforehand, personally I do whatever I'm comfortable with and I act 'normal'. One of the things I've noticed is that going on a punt for many seems to bring out some very odd behaviour. Ordinarily confident, relaxed men and women start siddling up to door ways, skulking through reception, pulling caps down over their faces, collars up and shoving themselves into hedges. Worrying what they are going to be 'asked', they make themselves look exceedingly dodgy and suspicious thus drawing more attention.
Now I'm sure most people here have stayed in hotels with partners, family, friends, even people who are not of the same age bracket. I bet you didn't feel the need to explain to anyone what you were doing, you just walked in and went to the bar or room and ordered whatever you fancied. This is what I do when I stay in a hotel or am visiting someone staying in one - I put on the same mental cloak of "I am here as a guest". It's as simple as that.
I am guessing the hotel is keycarded, the safety argument whilst valid in some respects, is also a false sense of security since yes you might be seen in public but some attackers don't care(it's how they can be attackers), and having been seen isn't going to help if you are robbed/raped/have your bag stolen once in the room. Sure it might help in a subsequent police investigation but I'd rather avoid the getting hurt bit.
Sometimes well meaning punters ask to meet in the bar, or public place in lieu of other proof or screening checks. I don't see how this makes it any safer or guarantees the room number or address you will be getting personal at, or even that he'll be there and a very well known scammer has made a point of meeting ladies in 'public' for a drink as part of persuading them to trust him, "because I am well spoken, polite and respectful, so you'll see you can trust me". Hmmm, the best scammers are extremely convincing and I'll bet this can also apply to women just as much as it does men.
